Sunday at The Beaches

The Beaches is a community that lies east of Downtown Toronto.  As expected, it's located directly on the lake shore and it is littered with beautiful parks and fantastic brunch spots. In short, it is charming and I am so incredibly privileged to be able to live here.

Today I started my morning with a run, followed by brunch at Bonjour Brioche with my good friend, T.  The use of good quality ingredients showcased that a dish doesn't have to be complex to taste amazing, as long as you start with fresh, local ingredients.  We met an adorable couple waiting in line in front of us and were strongly advised to get the eggs benedict, which may have been one of the best decisions of my life.

 The eggs benedict.  Yes, it's served up on a fresh croissant.

The Croque Madam.  My first time ever tasting brioche.

My new scarf, a birthday present from a very stylish friend. 

After brunch, I wanted to take advantage of the sunny day and went for a long walk with M in the park and along the beach.  Everyone was out, including the most adorable little boy and his mom, who were running along the pond.  You can't see it in the photo, but there were 2 enormous trumpet swans floating in the pond.

 Me and M pause to document the insanely gorgeous day.

The most adorable mother-son pair ever. 

On the walk back to the house, I noticed a group of 8 or so teenagers talking by a brick wall.  It was such a cool moment and I wanted to capture it, but when I asked to take a photo most of them got shy and stepped out of the frame.  Luckily, 3 remained and I managed to get this awesome shot that I think captures the feel of the city perfectly.  When I showed them the photos, they all agreed that it was pretty "sick" (Note: urban dictionary defines sick as being "crazy, cool or insane").  Not bad for an amateur, I say! 

The finished product.

Have a sunshine-filled day!

Stoked on Stott's Pilates

When your roommate happens to be a Pilates instructor in-training, you're bound to hear about good deals. Just for being a friend of a Pilates apprentice, I have access to 1 hour private sessions (one-on-one) for only $10 + hst.

I know, phenomenal.

As a student, this delights me and I have already taken advantage of the deal in the form of 3 sessions.  I'm actually kind of hooked on it and my oblique muscles are thanking me for it.

Not friends with an apprentice (yet)?  As a regular client, you will only pay $20 + hst.  Since a private session by a certified instructor is around $70 per hour, you're still getting a fantastic deal.

Check out the Stott Pilates Studio and Corporate Training Center website by clicking here or go visit them in person:

2200 Yonge St., Suite 500
Toronto, On
(416) 482-4050

Lets End the Tyranny of Television

The best decision I ever made in my life was to stop watching television, although I didn't know it at the time.

Many people, my previous self included, have the misconception that watching hours of television every week is relaxing to their system.  I know, I know; you get home after a long day at work or school and all you want to do is veg-out in front of the magical box in your living room.  But did you ever consider the following:

1. Television disturbs your slumber.  The physical act of watching an illuminating screen not only causes eye strain but can also stimulate excitatory neurons.  Since most people watch television before bed, this can affect sleep and cause more stress on the body since most of our healing happens when we're snoozing.

2. Television eats up your time. You may find that you are even more stressed from watching TV because you were unable to get all of the other things done in your life that needed to get done!  Most shows are an hour long and in that time, you could have whipped up a gourmet meal and given yourself a facial--think about it.

3. Television promotes a sedentary lifestyle. Unless you're only watching television at the gym, chances are you're sitting on your couch.  Since the average American watches 4 hours of TV per day, this can really add up in negative exercise.  If you really want to be amused, perhaps do as the French do and walk to a cafe.  You can watch the people stroll by as you relax and drink a warm beverage.

4. Television retards your social skills and kills your imagination. The most fascinating people I know do not own televisions.  These are the people that are telling me about the new art exhibit, the new restaurant, their recent travels, the new fitness craze etc.  Lets shift entertainment to be something to enjoy in the company of others as this will help you become more socially rounded.  If you really must be alone, may I suggest a book? It will help foster your imagination, expand your vocabulary and transport you from the everyday stresses.


Have a gloriously TV-free day!

The Importance of Self Care

The Vancouver coastline

Yes, we all have obligations to people and tasks in our lives.  Far too often, we put ourselves last in an effort to appease everyone else and we find ourselves constantly saying "yes" to everything that is asked of us.  Consider this quote provided by one of my favorite professors:

"When you never say 'no', your 'yes' isn't worth very much."

In this world we value the rare, so ration your "yes"'s and spend the rest of your time doing some (or all) of the following:

• read a book
• take a long, relaxing bath
• meditate (or just close your eyes and take deep breaths in and out)
• go to your _____ (insert any sport here) league to play a game
• go for a long walk, taking lots of detours to meander through public parks
• go to a pottery class
• write in your journal 
• make something (knitting, sewing, woodwork, painting) 
• take a nap
• crank your ipod and have a one-person dance party in your apartment
• spend all day in a used book store
• spend all day in a cozy cafe with your sketchbook
• make music with anything from a piano to an empty ice cream tub

Fostering your creative side and honouring your self care regime will add balance to your life and ensure that you enjoy life and don't feel burnt out.  

Have a wonderful day!

Free Shiatsu On Saturday, August 20th!!!!!

After my last post about the miraculous effect of Shiatsu, I just found out that the Shiatsu School of Canada is offering FREE SHIATSU TREATMENTS on August 20, 2011!!!!

Trust me, you'll definitely want to take advantage of this deal!

Where to go: 547 College Street, Toronto ON
What time: 11 am to 3 pm
For more information call: (416) 323-1818 ext 23